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Chris..... ...to quote bj/8n/mt, there are many ways to convert to 12 volts and some of 'em even work. This subject has been discussed many times, you may want to check the "archives" at the top of this great N-Board. Read about the trials and tribulations of the electrically challenged. But to answer your question directly, frontmount ignition systems are unique in tractor land. And there are 2 types of square ignition coils. The Ford OEM coil designed to run on 6 volts AND the infamous "ballast resistor" mounted on the backside of your dashpanel. (which is what you are noticing). And then there is the new and improved(?) 12 volt square ignition coil. It too needs a current limiting resistor BUT NOT the 6V ballast resistor. Do you understand that? Since I flunked mind reading, (just ask my ex-wife of 32 yrs), I don't know whether your 12 volt conversion is of the typical OEM 6 volt plus the ballast resistor plus the 12 to 6 volt converting resistor. (I suspect not, because you claim the ballast resistor has been bypassed) I am going to assume your conversion is of the new 12 volt ignition coil. Unfortunately, when they designed the ignition coil, they forgot that the 12 volt alternator actually outputs about 14.7 volts. This caused too much current which causes the coil to overheat which causes the coil to stop working after about 1 hr, BUT it cures itself overnight as it cools off. And you can start it the next morning and run it for about 1 hr again. The cure for this problem is a 1/2 ohm 10 watt ceramic resistor inplace of the infamous ballast resistor. You can get one from radio shack #900-1037 (I think). But what I want to know, why do you ask? Are you having some sort of ignition problem? Just idle curoristy? Too lazy to search the archives? ..... ....respectfully, Dell, Who is a 12 volt advocate for the right reasons. That said, I haven't found the right reason for my eazy starting '52 8N, and I know how and why to do it right.
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